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Entertainment Reporter
Oliver Mtukudzi’s album launch held over the weekend at the Harare International Conference Centre was marred by poor turnout.
It was hardly surprising that only a few of his fans turned up since there was no hype in the build up to the launch of “Mukombe weMvura”, his latest release.
The majority of his fans did not know about the poorly marketed show.
However, the 62-year-old granddad of music whose albums now tally with his age, seemed not bothered by the small crowd that attended. He led his Black Spirits to give fans a foretaste of the album since it was not available at the launch.

“Pane ane nyota here? (Is there anyone who is thirsty)” he asked as he took to the stage before he played a new song from his 10-track album with songs mostly inspired by life lessons he learnt through the years.

“Mukombe weMvura” means a calabash of water and the ninth track – “Munhikwi” – inspired the title of the album.
The lyrics of this song say “Aita munhikwi, mupe mukombe wemvura (He/she who is hiccupping, give him/her a calabash of water).”

His last album, “Sarawoga” meaning to be left alone, inspired by the death of his son in 2010, was released two years ago in celebration of his 60th                                birthday.

Mtukudzi’s musical work is often centred on his personal life experiences. He is able to produce sounds that people relate to, something that distinguishes his classic tunes from the rest.

The “Todii?” singer had earlier performed at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival opening night that saw the screening of a classy act – “Camarada Presidente” by Mosco Kamwendo – before a sell out crowd.